Youth Advocates Seek Increase Of State Tobacco Tax

FRANKFROT, Ky. (LEX 18)-- Seventeen percent of high school students in Kentucky currently smoke. That's the second highest rate in the nation according to Kentucky Youth Advocates.

Wednesday morning multiple health and youth advocacy groups gathered at the capitol to announce their support for a solution to prevent teen smoking.

They hope to see an increase of at least $1 to Kentucky's tobacco tax.

High school ambassadors say they want to help keep their fellow students healthy.

"I feel like our generation is very tight nit and we care about each other and just their health, that if they didn't really understand that they were impacting their life forever, that I'd like them to know that," said Caroline Rushing, a Monroe County High School senior.

The executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates calls the proposal a "win-win" because they estimate the tax would bring the state millions of dollars.

CINCINNATI (LEX 18)-- The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is expressing its gratitude to Zoo visitors this weekend for their continued support. They are offering visitors half-price admission during Visitor Appreciation Days on Aug. 18 and 19. Tickets for kids and seniors will range between $6 and $10.50. For adults the price will range between $8.50 and $13. "Spend one of the final weekends of summer enjoying the best of the Zoo’s summer lineup...

CINCINNATI (LEX 18)-- The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is expressing its gratitude to Zoo visitors this weekend for their continued support. They are offering visitors half-price admission during Visitor Appreciation Days on Aug. 18 and 19. Tickets for kids and seniors will range between $6 and $10.50. For adults the price will range between $8.50 and $13. "Spend one of the final weekends of summer enjoying the best of the Zoo’s summer lineup...

ESTILL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Estill County High School's girls soccer coach has been placed on leave as police investigate allegations involving sexually explicit messages allegedly sent to one of his teenage players. Estill County Schools Superintendent Jeff Saylor confirmed to LEX 18 that the coach, Andrew Hatton, was put on leave Monday morning while school officials and Kentucky State Police investigate. Relatives of teenager tell LEX 18 that Hatton sent pornogr...

ESTILL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Estill County High School's girls soccer coach has been placed on leave as police investigate allegations involving sexually explicit messages allegedly sent to one of his teenage players. Estill County Schools Superintendent Jeff Saylor confirmed to LEX 18 that the coach, Andrew Hatton, was put on leave Monday morning while school officials and Kentucky State Police investigate. Relatives of teenager tell LEX 18 that Hatton sent pornogr...

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Appearing on "The Brian Thomas Show" Tuesday morning, Gov. Matt Bevin referred opponents of pension reform as "drowning victims" who need to be "knocked out" for their own good. The governor was talking about the battle he has fought over Senate Bill 151. He told Thomas that the pension system had to be saved, but it was difficult when those affected by the bill continued to fight him.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Appearing on "The Brian Thomas Show" Tuesday morning, Gov. Matt Bevin referred opponents of pension reform as "drowning victims" who need to be "knocked out" for their own good. The governor was talking about the battle he has fought over Senate Bill 151. He told Thomas that the pension system had to be saved, but it was difficult when those affected by the bill continued to fight him.